Tampa Bay Lightning Launches Ball Hockey Program With 24-Team School Tournament and New Outdoor Rinks

The Tampa Bay Lightning donated 10 outdoor ball hockey rinks across five counties. They'll host a tournament with 24 teams. Elementary and middle school students will compete in the weeks ahead.

Why does this matter? The program opens doors for young fans who want to play hockey but can't afford ice time or gear.

Rinks now dot the region, bringing the sport to places without ice facilities. McMullen Booth Elementary School students already use the equipment each week.

"Well, every Thursday I'm hyped up because I'm ready for hockey," said a student from McMullen Booth Elementary School, according to Tampa Bay 28.

Another student mentioned the connection to the pros. "Honestly, I think it's really cool to have like equipment from the actual hockey team," the student said.

The Bolts' development team will run the tournament for elementary and middle school players in a few weeks, though they haven't announced an exact date yet.

On March 1, the organization will host a free clinic at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park in Pinellas Park. First through eighth graders can attend.

Parents can sign up their kids online through the team's development program website. The clinic celebrates the grand opening of one facility.

This initiative tears down walls that have kept young athletes away from hockey. Ice time costs money — lots of it — and equipment isn't cheap either, which has stopped many families in the area from participating.

Ball hockey needs less gear. You can play on outdoor surfaces. Students learn basic skills without needing an ice rink, then compete against each other.

The donation marks a big expansion of youth programming for the franchise, as five counties now have facilities and communities across the region can participate.